Cherier combines marked circular hiking trails, Romanesque architecture and the Chapelle de la Salette with the option of a guided farm visit by appointment. Vieux Cherier lies away from the main transport routes and overlooks the entire Roanne Plain. As you plan your trip, consider whether you would like to focus on trails and scenery, the history of religious buildings or a visit with the animals.
Hiking trails and guided walks
A municipal trail guide lists nine permanently marked circular hiking trails. One named hiking route in Cherier is “La marche du Point du jour”. At Blanchardon, it crosses the Isable over a small bridge, then crosses the river near its source at a ford. The same route therefore features two different types of crossing: a bridge and a ford. If you include this walk in your plans, do not infer a walking time solely from the description of the crossings.
Another specific route follows the 3 km “Le petit tour de la Salette” from the Aire de pique-nique des 4 tilleuls. The picnic area has tables, benches and parking, and is shaded. This lets you combine your route choice with a named place to stop, without equating the short distance with a particular walking time.
For a communal alternative to walking the routes independently, the association “LES CHEMINS DE TRAVERSE” organizes a free guided thematic walk in Cherier on the first Saturday of every month, open to everyone. As the schedule may change, check the date before your trip if you would like to plan your visit around it.
Church, chapel and landscape
The Eglise Ste Marie du Vieux bourg de Cherier is an 11th- and 12th-century Romanesque church listed as a historic monument. Its period of construction clearly distinguishes it from the history of the Chapelle de la Salette, which was built in the late 19th century. The idea for the chapel came from Abbé Thévenet in 1877, after he had made a pilgrimage with his parishioners to La Salette in the Alps. It was consecrated on August 16, 1883.
The Chapelle de la Salette stands on the 815 m-high Barbet hill. A walking trail to the chapel passes the Grotte du Poyet megalith. From the chapel, the view stretches across the Roanne Plain; 58 church towers are said to be visible. Mont Blanc and the Alpine range can also often be seen. This site brings together a historical connection and expansive views, while the walking trail also takes in a named megalith.
Farm visits by appointment
Les Montagnes de Jaya offers guided farm visits in Cherier by appointment. The farm is home to almost 200 animals. Visits include walks with goats, feeding the poultry, spending time with donkeys and alpacas, and pony rides. The number of animals and the program may change; confirm the date and seasonal opening before you arrive. The farm visit is a separate planning option alongside hiking and cultural sites, but requires an advance appointment.
Paragliding launch site and practical planning
The Roches Ste Agathe launch site is in Vieux Bourg de Chérier. It is not a flight school; pilots must be licensed and insured to fly. Check how the launch site is operated and what the flying conditions are before using it. This clearly distinguishes the paragliding launch site from the guided walks and hiking trails.
If you are looking for hotels for a trip to Cherier, you can choose your destination based on the activities you have planned: the marked circular hiking trails, the historic sites or an arranged visit to Les Montagnes de Jaya. It is a good idea to confirm dates in advance for guided activities; the other features of the area offer different starting points for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Mizérieux, Villerest, Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert, Merle-Leignec, Malleval, Bellegarde-en-Forez, Cellieu, Violay
For the broader travel overview: Loire.
